Start looking up airline tickets for Germany next winter, my friends! These 11 photos will show you why you must visit Germany during the holidays. Throughout the country, various cities host a Christmas Market - a month-long festival that features gifts, food, drinks, entertainment and more. Beginning shortly after Thanksgiving and ending a few days before Christmas, attendees shop and eat while spending quality time with their family and friends. It's time to start planning a Christmas Market Tour of Germany in 2017!

A wooden soldier welcomes guests to the Christmas Market in Baden Baden, Germany.

A variety of items, such as these colorful wind chimes, were sold at the Christmas Market in Baden Baden, Germany.

These hats that were sold at the Christmas Market in Baden Baden, Germany make the perfect holiday gift.

An onlooker is admiring the trinkets in the booth at the Christmas Market in Baden Baden, Germany.

Nativity scenes illuminate the walkway at the Christmas Market in Baden Baden, Germany.

Christmas-themed booths light up the plaza at the Christmas Market in Stuttgart, Germany.

Rides, such as the one pictured above, entertain the event's youngest attendees at the Christmas Market in Stuttgart, Germany.

Attendees are often found drinking glühwein (mulled wine) at the Christmas Market in Stuttgart, Germany. Return the mug to the vendor if you wish to receive your deposit back, or keep it as a souvenir.

Attendees visit the row of decorative booths at the Christmas Market in Stuttgart, Germany.

The Christmas Market in Stuttgart, Germany brings holiday cheer to its attendees during its final evening.